Hello, it’s great to see you today! This week I am sharing the summer style hack for petites that I often use for styling and wearing maxi dresses. More often than not, petite dress styles are merely shorter hemlines and torso lengths. If the dress has darts on the sides of the bust, sometimes they end up being a little lower.
For less complicated dress styles, it’s really easy to create a petite maxi dress out of a regular size midi dress: it’s a maxi from a midi. Do note, though, that lengths will be slightly different for all of us!
The two dress examples I have today are perfect for this maxi dress hack. Empire waist styles and tank-style dresses work the best because they don’t have a traditional waistline to contend with.
The Summary
Today Kelly shows us THE summer style hack for petites
Kelly models two Midi-as-Maxi dresses
The dresses are shoppable via a text or image widget
Kelly rounds up her 8 favorite Midi-as-Maxi dresses for Summer
The Summer Style Hack For Petites
1. Empire Waist Dress
(J.Crew)
An Empire style dress has a fitted bodice that ends just below the bust. We don’t have to worry about the waistline hitting in the correct spot. One thing to look for in a dress like this are adjustable straps. A dress’s straps can make this hack challenging, if the straps are too long. But with adjustable straps, we can adjust them to fit.
This tie-back dress is from J.Crew. It comes in a couple colors and this sunny yellow block print.
With such a summery, sunny dress I have lace up espadrille wedges from J.Crew Factory. These neutral wedges go with pretty much everything and I like that they have metallic threads in the canvas.
J.Crew Tie-Back Dress | Ankle Wrap Espadrille Wedges | J.McLaughlin Rosie Wicker Clutch (Similar)
Shop the outfit
2. Cotton Tank Dress
(J.Crew)
I really love a tank or tee shirt style dress. They are so comfortable on hot summer days. I have many shorter styles, but this is my first midi-as-maxi version.
This cotton tank dress is also from J.Crew. I went with black for a chic, casual look, but this style comes in a few other great summer colors.
Another thing I love about this style is that you can add a belt to give it structure and shape. Then maybe wear strappy heels to dress this dress up a bit. Or you can keep it casual, style it with some leather slides. These are old, but this crisscross style is popular again this year, check out some alternative versions.
(Similar) Everlane Crossover Sandal | (Similar) Banana Republic Crossover Slide Sandal | (Similar) Madewell Louisa Crisscross Slide
J.Crew Cotton Midi Tank Dress | (Similar) Everlane Crossover Sandal | (Similar) Banana Republic Crossover Slide Sandal | (Similar) Madewell Louisa Crisscross Slide
Shop the outfit
Great Midi-as-Maxi Dresses From Madewell
Left Board: Tie Strap Tiered Dress | Tiered Midi Dress | Ruffle Sleeve Tiered Dress | Smocked Midi Dress Right Board: Sweater Tank Dress | World of Crow Front Tie Dress | Linen Blend Cami Dress | Smocked Midi Dress
In Case You Missed It
Yesterday, Beth showed you how to wear one of 2022’s biggest Summer trends. Click the title or image below to read the article.
How To Wear This Cargo Summer Trend
About The Author
Cool and comfortable!!
Cool and comfortable indeed! Thank you for stopping by Sharon! xo Kelly
While I am really glad to see petite clothing being featured, the dresses worn in this post would not work for a 74 year old like myself. It would be nice to see someone over 70 modeling petite clothing– perhaps a guest contributor????
Hi Paula! Not every post will resonate with everyone. I’m 63 and I’m fairly certain some of my fashion choices aren’t up your alley either. And I will mention that Kelly shared a style hack applicable to all petites regardless of age.
Our goal here at Style at a Certain Age is to share fashion, food, skincare, beauty, health & wellness, and more for our 40+ demographic – women of a certain age. I’m dedicated to having each decade represented along with a beauty editor and a petite. Rome wasn’t built in a day so stay tuned! We have exciting things coming your way in the next weeks and months.
Thank you for this great idea for petites! My sister is a petite and when I wear a summer dress she always says “why can’t I wear something like that.” Now she has several options.
Hello Roberta! Summer dresses are great for petites! There really are a lot of options out there, I am happy to share some great find with you and your sister! xo Kelly
Two fabulous choices for summer for a wide audience! I’m 76 and wear a similar black dress very often. It is a basic for travel and just around town. The cute spaghetti strap dress probably wouldn’t work for me, but is a wonderful suggestion in any event. Love your posts, Kelly! And your recipes!!
Hello Carol, I absolutely love that black dress – and you’re right, it’s great for traveling. Thank you so much for stopping by today, and I am so happy you are enjoying the recipes too! xo Kelly
Kelly, I really enjoyed this post, especially the first spaghetti strap dress and espadrilles. I’m a petite and agree about empire waist, or usually having to purchase something specifically made for us “p”s …
Thanks, and have a great weekend!
Hey there, Carolina Girl! Empire waist is such an easy style for us petites to get away with in regular sizing. I am happy you enjoyed today’s pot – thank you so much for stopping by today! xo Kelly
The first dress is SO cute! Adorable on you Kelly.
Thank you so much Nancy! xo Kelly
Beth,
I love the Savannah tote! Is there a store I could call to order one?
Thank you,
Connie
The Savannah tote was purchased at The Paris Market in Savannah.
Kelly, these midi-to-maxi dresses look great on you. I have a short torso but long legs, and have been doing this hack for a while now.
I also find that regular size long crops fit me like ankle pants, while regular 30-31 inch inseam pants are way too long. So I’ve become a big fan of these. I hardly ever wear long pants anymore, hence, no more alterations!
Happpy summer.
Hi Eva, I often use your pants hack too. Usually the regular crop pants fit me like ankle pants. It works so well I can’t remember the last time I got a pair of pants hemmed! Thanks so much for stopping by! xo Kelly